Dial the clock back to 1998 when Van Halen decided to hire Gary Cherone of Extreme to front the band hoping the third singer is a charm. The “Van Halen III” album underperformed and wasn’t widely embraced by fans, but the tour was strong for those who caught it.

In episode 8 of “Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast,” the Dave’s dissect this interesting time in VH history. Not only does the dynamic duo discuss the album track-by-track, including the bootlegged bonus song (“That’s Why I Love You”) that was left off the record, they also talk about the shelved live album and the aborted sophomore effort with Cherone. Additionally, an interview with Mr. Cherone looking back on his time in the band caps it off.

Of course, current Halen news is always on the menu such as Michael Anthony’s recent interview with Eddie Trunk and his induction into the RockGodz Hall of Fame, David Lee Roth name dropping Eddie Van Halen in his blog and on his podcast, EVH’s sentimental video for Mr. Holland Opus Foundation, and a tidbit on Wolfgang Van Halen’s forthcoming solo album.

This power-packed episode is a Thanksgiving feast stuffed with VH goodness clocking in over two and a half hours – the largest “Dave & Dave Unchained” episode yet. So grab yourselves a “Dirty Water Dog” and recall the implosion of the Mighty VH!

HALEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS It’s the last month of the year Van Halen fans – that means it’s compilation time! The Dave’s analyze and agonize over Van Halen’s 1996’s “Best of Volume I” collection as well as 2004’s “The Best of Both Worlds” double-disc set. Also discussed is Sammy Hagar’s new compilation, “This is Sammy Hagar: When the Party Started, Volume 1” plus decoding the Van Hagar reunion rumors. In order to deliver more Halen action, “The Van Halen Encyclopedia” author C.J. Chilvers joins the boys for a deep discussion on all things VH. His book is a labor of love from a truly dedicated fan. Dubbed the “Van Halen Bible,” this book delivers VH facts in an A-through-Z style making it a must-have for all die-hards. To cap things off, legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff is interviewed about his tenure in Chickenfoot with Hagar and everybody’s favorite bearded bassist Michael Anthony. Who knows what the New Year will bring…a tour?…an album? Stay tuned VH fans. Download or play episodes on: iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dave-dave-unchained-van-halen/id1102231619 Spreaker.com – http://www.spreaker.com/show/dave-dave-unchained-van-halen-podcast Connect with the Dave’s! Twitter: @ddunchained Facebook: Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen podcast Instagram: ddunchainedpodcast email: ddunchainedpodcast@gmail.com

Dave:Ever consider a “Corrections” segment where you address problems in previous podcasts? We haven’t. What did you have in mind? Could you give me an example of a problem to be corrected?

~Dave #2

I’m still listening to #9, and one of the Dave’s mentioned (around 1hr 4mins) a different edition/release of the 2004 comp. “Best of Both Worlds” that dropped the live tracks and had “Don’t Tell Me (what love can do)” on it.

I don’t recall there being such a critter, and would be interested in learning more about it (country of release, UPC, etc…) I checked my stack of BoBW discs (~13 including singles, other countries and variations), and didn’t find such an animal.

ron: I’m still listening to #9, and one of the Dave’s mentioned (around 1hr 4mins) a different edition/release of the 2004 comp. “Best of Both Worlds” that dropped the live tracks and had “Don’t Tell Me (what love can do)” on it.

I don’t recall there being such a critter, and would be interested in learning more about it (country of release, UPC, etc…)I checked my stack of BoBW discs (~13 including singles, other countries and variations), and didn’t find such an animal.

The year 2016 marked radio silence from Van Halen but the fans have never been louder. December not only brought the holidays but a bucket of rumors ranging from David Lee Roth is harmoniously recording new music with the Van Halen trio to Sammy Hagar is not out of the picture.

In episode 10 – part 1 of the Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen Podcast, the Dave’s breakdown the entire list of rumors that are being floated and weigh in with their opinions on the probability of each one coming true.

Additionally, there has been a DLR sighting at a cigar shop in Studio City, CA and the gentleman who met with Dave, comedian Noel Elgrably, is interviewed about his encounter, which took place on his birthday.

This episode, marked #10, will be part 1 of a special bonus double for January. Part 2 will follow later in the month. Hopefully by then VH fans will get some clarity…if the band chooses to come out of hiding.

On January 26, the world’s greatest guitarist, Edward Van Halen, turns 62 and in honor of this occasion, “Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen Podcast” pays tribute to this Dutch born-California raised axeman with an all EVH themed episode.

In episode 10 – part 2, the Dave’s go through Eddie’s non-Van Halen solo recordings from 1978 to present. They dive deep into all his guest appearances an albums by artists like Michael Jackson, Brian May, LL Cool J, Thomas Dolby and Nicolette Larson, his work on soundtracks for “Twister,” “The Wild Life” and “Sacred Sin,” cameos on songs by Roger Waters, Steve Lukather and Rich Wyman, live performances on “Late Night with David Letterman,” “Saturday Night Live” and the 1988 Les Paul & Friends concert and more.

Additionally, Kevin Dodds, author of “Edward Van Halen: A Definitive Biography,” is interviewed. Dodds and the Dave’s have a lengthy and detailed discussion about the man behind the red guitar with the black and white stripes.

LOL! You’re not the first person to notice that. That was one we did early in the morning while everyone else was still asleep. He was respectful of everyone else in his house. I said screw it, if I’m up, then everyone else will be too!

On Feb. 7, 2012, a miracle happened. Van Halen fans’ long time prayers were answered when the band dropped its first album with original lead singer David Lee Roth in 28 years, “A Different Kind of Truth.” This superior album was critically praised and fans were supportive, however, it never got the full push it deserved.

In celebration of the 5th anniversary of Van Halen’s 12th studio album, the Daves conduct an exclusive interview with the album’s producer John Shanks about the making of the record for episode 11.

Shanks goes in-depth on his recording process and the band’s working style. He discusses his relationship with each member and going through boxes of Van Halen’s old demos looking for material to work on.

Additionally, current VH news is discussed from Michael Anthony’s interview at NAMM to Chickenfoot’s new compilation to the campaign pushing for Van Halen to play the Super Bowl next year. Plus, a very special announcement is made about an upcoming VH related event.

The “Dave & Dave Unchained – A Van Halen Podcast” is celebrating its first anniversary with a party that would make David Lee Roth blush…well, almost. Van Halen Bash will be held 8 pm on Saturday, April 1st at The Nutty Irishman, located at 323 Main Street in Farmingdale, Long Island, NY.

“We have been planning this for a year,” said co-host David J. Criblez. “This night has the potential to be epic.”

The evening will feature two full sets by the ultimate VH tribute band, Romeo Delight, who will perform “Van Halen I” and “1984” in their entirety plus hits from the band’s first six albums and maybe some surprises.

“We wanted a night of classic old school David Lee Roth-era VH and no one can deliver that like Buddy Blanchard and his band,” says co-host David A. Marcone. “We are turning back the clock for three hours and pretending we are in Pasadena, CA!”

Additionally, the Daves will be podcasting live from the venue speaking with fans and members of the band for a special anniversary broadcast.

Van Halen-themed giveaways and a unique VH raffle will round out the evening along with 26 craft beers on tap and a full menu of gourmet pub grub to keep your belly full.